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Planning staff’s proposal to raise planning-approval fee to $50 tabled for further review
Summary
Commissioners discussed raising planning-approval fees from $10 to $50 to cover public-notice costs but voted to table a broader fee schedule review so staff can compile comparative data and recommend an approach.
The zoning and land use commission discussed a staff proposal to increase the fee for planning approvals from $10 to $50 and consider broader fee schedule changes; commissioners voted to table the full package until staff compiles comparative information from other parishes.
Planning staff said the $10 fee has not been adjusted for many years and that postage and certified-mail costs for required notices now exceed the fee. "We're losing money," staff said, adding that comparable jurisdictions charge higher fees. Staff asked the commission to recommend that the council increase planning-approval fees to $50 to help cover notice and administrative costs.
Several commissioners supported the concept but asked for comparative data and a list of all zoning- and planning-related application fees so the commission could consider a consistent adjustment across application types rather than a single-line change. Commissioner Michael Billotte moved to table the item so staff could prepare a full list of applications and comparative fees; Commissioner Dan Rogers seconded and the motion passed.
Staff committed to sending a comprehensive fee list and parish comparisons ahead of the next meeting so the commission can consider a single, coordinated fee schedule update.
